[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 9 (Monday, March 6, 2006)]
[Pages 353-354]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Dinner for the Nation's Governors

February 26, 2006

    Good evening. Welcome to the White House. Laura and I are glad 
you're here. We really look forward to this evening. It's good to see 
some old friends, and I want to welcome two new Governors--Governor 
Corzine and Governor Tim Kaine. It happens

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to be his birthday. The First Lady said he was tired of getting birthday 
songs, so we'll skip it. [Laughter]
    We've also got some Governors here who will be here for the last 
time--some by choice, some by law. We thank you for your service. One of 
them happens to be Brother. Come on back, you know. But all of you who 
won't be back here, thank you for serving your States and our country.
    I like being around Governors. Governors know how to set agendas; 
Governors know how to rally people to convince the legislature to get 
results; Governors are results-oriented people. So I picked a few for my 
Cabinet, including two Mikes--Mike Leavitt and Mike Johanns. They're 
doing great jobs. I appreciate the rest of my Cabinet being here, even 
though you aren't Governors. [Laughter] You're welcome to have a meal. 
[Laughter]
    Look forward to working with you to help shape the future of the 
country. You know, I told the people, we don't need to fear the future 
because we intend to shape the future. And Governors play a big role in 
that. You got a big role in helping to protect our country, and I want 
to thank you for understanding we're still at war and that we need your 
solid support in defending our country. Our most important duty is to 
protect the American people.
    Our economy is strong, and I mean to keep it that way, with good tax 
policy, both at the Federal and State level. We've got to make sure 
we're less dependent on foreign sources of oil to keep our economy 
strong. We've got to make sure that our education system--make sure 
every child is educated, and with special emphasis on math and science. 
This country is a great country, and we've led the world, and we'll 
continue to lead the world. And I look forward to working with you on 
such an agenda.
    This is historic times, and I know you know that. And so I want to 
thank you for your service to our great Nation. I want to thank you for 
bringing dignity and honor to the offices you hold. And so now I'd like 
to offer a toast to the Governors of the United States.

Note: The President spoke at 8:03 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the 
White House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Jon S. Corzine of New 
Jersey; Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia, and his wife, Anne Holton; and Gov. 
Jeb Bush of Florida.